USC football: Matt Barkley says ankle 'feels better'

USC quarterback Matt Barkley attended practice and moved around without the use of crutches for the first day since he suffered a high left ankle sprain during the Trojans' loss at Oregon State this past Saturday.

The sophomore from Mater Dei underwent three rehab sessions on Wednesday for the ankle, which was not protected by a boot but wrapped “to get some of the blood out of it because there's still a lot of fluid in there,” Barkley said.

He said that the ankle “has been feeling better and better” and “is over 50 percent” but his status is still “day-to-day” for playing in Saturday's rivalry game against Notre Dame at the Coliseum.

“I'm just trying to do everything I can to get this right,” said Barkley, who has started 23 career games, including past 21 for the Trojans.

When asked whether it is realistic that he might play Saturday, Barkley said, “That's what my mind is thinking…. I do (think it's realistic.) That's the positive thinking that I think you have to have. If it doesn't happen, so be it.”

Senior backup Mitch Mustain is preparing as though he will be the starter.

Barkley feels much more positive about saying that he will be ready for the season finale against UCLA on Dec. 4: "With what I have done so far, it's a good sign for next week, if it doesn't happen this week."

*** Coach Lane Kiffin said that Wednesday and Thursday practices were “probably our best two combined days of the season.”

*** Kiffin said that free safety T.J. McDonald has “been the most consistent of the guys back there” and had put together a “quiet and really good season.” McDonald leads the Trojans in tackles (88, 54 solo), including 3.0 tackles for loss with one sack. He also is tied for the team lead with three interceptions and has a team-high four pass breakups.

*** Starting right tackle Tyron Smith and backup left guard Butch Lewis did not practice. Starting center Kristofer O'Dowd briefly went to the sideline apparently hurt and had his right hand taped. Starting left guard Michael Reardon left practice early with a trainer and was spitting up blood and saliva after being hit in the mouth. In addition to Reardon, starting strong safety Jawanza Starling, starting linebackers Chris Galippo and Devon Kennard, backup cornerback Torin Harris and backup tight end Blake Ayles were limited.

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